How you can travel more responsibly
Ways to support local communities and reduce some of the environmental impacts associated with your holiday.
Inform yourself
One of the best ways to get the most out of your holiday to Latin America is to learn about the local cultures, politics, religion and customs of the places you’re visiting. It’s a small gesture but it goes a long way: you’ll build a stronger relationship with the people you meet on your travels if they can see that you’ve made an effort to learn about their country and show respect for local traditions.
Support local markets
From Chichicastenango in Guatemala to San Telmo in Buenos Aires, Latin America is home to some superb street markets. Shopping at artisan markets can be a way to support local craftspeople and small businesses, helping more of your spending remain within the local economy. However, it’s important to be aware of black market trade and to avoid purchasing anything made from endangered plants or animals. By staying away from products like hardwoods, shells, exotic feathers, furs or eggs, you will be helping to prevent their extinction.
Eat and drink like a local
We work hard with local suppliers to seek out small, authentic local restaurants, bars and cafés in Latin America for you to experience when travelling on our tours and, over the years, we’ve collated recommendations from staff, tour leaders and clients so our portfolio is always growing. We’re happy to pass these on to you before you travel as well as including recommendations on our travel app, so that you have the chance to directly support local business owners by eating and drinking at their establishments.
Give gifts responsibly
Many of you will want to give gifts to children during your visit to Latin America. Fruit, crayons and balloons, colouring books and footballs can elicit delight and add extra satisfaction to your adventure. However, bear in mind that if you give to one child and not the other, problems resulting from envy might ensue. You could choose to make donations to local schools or conservation and charitable organisations rather than giving money directly to children begging on the streets. Ask your guides for specific advice.
Think before you click
Respect local cultures and communities
Before taking photographs of people, cultural events or religious ceremonies, consider asking permission first. Attitudes towards photography vary between individuals and communities, and seeking consent can help ensure that you are acting respectfully. If appropriate, you may wish to share copies of photographs with those featured in them, particularly where this is welcomed.
Learning a few words of the local language can also help you engage more thoughtfully with the places you visit. Even a simple greeting or expression of thanks may be appreciated and can contribute to more meaningful interactions during your travels.
Follow local guidance
When exploring natural areas, trekking routes or archaeological sites, stay on designated paths and walkways wherever possible. This can help reduce disturbance to wildlife, minimise damage to sensitive environments and heritage sites, and support your own safety. Following the advice of local guides and site managers can also help ensure that visits are conducted responsibly.
Consider your environmental impact
While no trip is impact-free, there are practical steps travellers can take to reduce their environmental impact. Depending on your destination, you may choose to conserve water by taking shorter showers where resources are limited, use a refillable water bottle where it is safe and appropriate to do so, or decline unnecessary daily towel and linen changes if your accommodation offers this option.
Similarly, turning off lights, air conditioning and heating when they are not needed may help reduce energy consumption during your stay.
We welcome feedback on your travel experiences, including any observations relating to responsible travel practices. Your comments can help us better understand what travellers value and identify areas where we, or the suppliers we work with, may be able to improve our approach over time.
Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is that which benefits local communities and the environment.
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Accommodation with selected environmental or community initiatives
We have put together a list of the most sustainable or eco-conscious hotels that we sell so you can make an informed decision.
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Biodiversity
In our efforts to promote biodiversity we have partnered with Rewilding Chile, looking to rewild Chilean Patagonia.
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Galapagos Conservation Trust
The UK's only registered charity focussing exclusively on the conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos Archipelago.
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LATA Foundation
We support the LATA Foundation, a UK-based charity with projects throughout Latin America.
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Water to Go
We've partnered up with Water To Go UK to reduce waste by offering clients a 15% discount on filtered water bottles.
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Onçafari Jaguar Project
The Onçafari Jaguar Project's aim is to promote conservation through tourism and generate benefits for the Pantanal.
Find out morePapagaio
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